19-year-old killed and 4 others hurt in Clarence crash | News

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CLARENCE, N.Y. – The young woman killed in a car crash in Clarence has been identified as 19-year-old Shelby Adamczak. Erie County Sheriff's deputies say she died shortly after the car she was driving went off the road and hit a tree.

The crash happened on Tonawanda Creek Road near Brauer Road around 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Deputies say the vehicle crossed over the lane of traffic, hit a tree and a fence before coming to rest on a lawn.

Adamczak was pinned in the vehicle and had to be extricated by firefighters. She later died at the hospital. There were four passengers in the car with Adamczak. There is no word yet on their conditions or identities.

Deputies are still investigating the exact cause of the crash.

We first met Shelby Adamczak several years ago. Shelby's sister, Emily, passed away from sudden cardiac arrest while both girls were on the soccer fields in Akron. Their mother, Annette, made it her mission to get CPR taught in all high schools. Annette succeeded, and a law is now on the books here in New York State.

2 On Your Side spoke with Anna Hoffman, one of Shelby's best friends. She described Shelby as an amazing friend and mother.

"I feel so blessed to be welcomed into not only her life but into (daughter) Kylie's life as well," Hoffman said.

Shelby was a single mother to Kylie, because Shelby's boyfriend and Kylie's father, Gage Amidon, passed away suddenly less than a year ago.

"It's so easy to think about the hardships that (Shelby) faced, but you could tell she never let them define her as a person," Hoffman said. "She only built up from them. She was one of the most welcoming people ever."

Jamie Retallack, the Adamczak family pastor. Retallack said the family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers.

Hoffman said the only solace is knowing Shelby is being reunited with those she previously lost.

"She was greeted wherever with her sister (Emily) and with Gage, so it's like she left all of us here, but she wasn't alone," Hoffman said. "And so I feel like it's really upsetting and it's heartbreaking to know that I lost an amazing friend... but we gained an amazing angel at the same time."

The American Heart Association, which worked with Annette on the CPR bill, released the following statement to 2 On Your Side:

The American Heart Association would like to extend our sincere sympathies to Annette and the Adamczak family. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them during this difficult time of loss and tragedy.